Area Politicians Vow To Do What They Can To Save Hospital

IRVING – After the Lake Erie Regional Health System announced its decision Tuesday to close the Lake Shore Health Care Center in Irving, politicians have responded to the public’s reaction to the closing of one of the community’s main hospitals.

“Closing the hospital leaves the people of the region without nearby emergency room access and vital hospital services,” Young said. “It also has a profound impact on the lives of those who are losing their jobs. Many families will be affected and it is a huge blow to the local economy.”

Goodell said he was shocked to hear the news.

“Just a few months ago we were celebrating the opening of Lake Shore’s new emergency room,” he said.

Young and Goodell have both expressed a desire to want to work to find solutions.

“Working with the state Health Department and Lake Shore management, we need to explore every possible option to maintain high quality health care, employment, and all the other benefits of both the nursing home and the hospital,” Goodell said.

The Lake Shore Health Care Center provides several services such as home health, emergency services, diagnostic imaging and cardiac rehabilitation.

Giglio said, “it is imperative that the community be fully informed by hospital management of exactly how they will propose to fulfill the healthcare needs of the region.”

Giglio added that he will work with Young, Goodell and community members “to ensure that the hospital system is meeting its obligation to provide essential hospital services to the region.”

Edwards agreed that everyone should do what they can to try and turn this decision around.

“We should all roll up our sleeves to help save this medical provider,” he said. “Their board of directors deserves a lot of credit for making these important analysis decisions that no one would want to make. I will do anything to help them in any way I can.”